SWEET
FRAGRANCE
READ:
2
Corinthians 2:12-17
We
are to God the fragrance
of
Christ among those who
are
being saved and among
those
who are perishing.
-2
Corinthians 2:15
Some scents are unforgettable.
Recently, my husband mentioned he was running
low on shaving cream. “I’ll pick some up,” I offered. “Can
you get this kind?” he asked, showing me the can. “I love
the smell-it’s the kind my dad always used,”
I smiled, recalling the time I had been momentarily taken back to my
childhood when I got a whiff of the same shampoo my mom used to wash my
hair. For both Tom and me, the
fragrances had brought an emotional response and pleasant memory of people we
loved who were no longer around.
Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “Memories, imagination, old sentiments, and
associations are more readily reached through the sense of smell than through
any other channel.”
So, what if our lives were a fragrance
that attracted people to God? Second
Corinthians 2:15 says that “we
are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among
those who are perishing.” Our
fragrance is pleasing to God, but it also attracts others to Him or repels
them. We who understand the sacrifice of
Jesus have the opportunity to be the “fragrance
of Christ” –a reminder of Him-to others.
The sweet scent of the likeness of
Christ can be an irresistible pull toward the Savior. –Cindy Hess Kasper
Let
my hands perform His bidding,
Let
my feet run in His ways,
Let
my eyes see Jesus only,
Let
my lips speak forth His praise. –James
******************************************
When
we walk with God, we leave behind
a
sweet fragrance that can inspire others to follow.
INSIGHT
In
today’s reading, we see a dramatic picture of Christ as victor. In the world of ancient Rome, a conquering
general would be rewarded with a “triumph,” a celebrative victory parade. The conquered enemies subjugated as slaves
would often follow the procession. Paul
used this even familiar to his audience to represent Jesus Christ as the
triumphant hero. Considering himself a
slave of Christ (Philippians 1:1), Paul thought it an honor and a joy to have
been conquered by the Lord he now loved and served. Often during a triumphal parade, the temple
doors were thrown open and the fragrance of garlands and incense flooded the
parade procession with the sweet aroma of victory. Certainly, the gospel has a sweet spiritual
aroma for those who believe.
Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator’s Love Always
Unity & Peace
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